Motorola to Deploy Wireless Cities across the UK

Motorola has been selected by BT to supply Mesh Wi-Fi network infrastructure and services for six of BT’s Wireless City initiatives across the UK. Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, Cardiff and Westminster are the first wireless cities.

The contract will see Motorola design, deploy and manage city-wide Wi-Fi networks with BT. The Mesh Wi-Fi networks will deliver wireless broadband for use by public services, businesses and citizens in each of the cities. The networks are designed to enable different user experiences including:

  • Extension of BT Openzone hotspots to enable wireless web access and email
  • Contiguous Wi-Fi coverage to enable real time applications using for example, BT Fusion dual mode devices
  • Virtual private network (VPN) services for enterprise customers and to e-enable local authority workforces
  • Wireless closed circuit television (CCTV) to aid community safety and security.

Motorola will supply solutions from its MOTOwi4 wireless broadband portfolio, which will be deployed across the cities on existing sites such as lampposts. The Motorola solution allows data to be backhauled wirelessly. The networks will also be secure and robust as they will be Mesh-enabled, which allows the network to “self heal” should individual access points fail by rerouting traffic.

“We are delighted to announce we are working with Motorola in delivering six of the planned 12 Wireless Cities across the UK. Our Wireless City networks will ensure customers are connected at all times and will also provide access to valuable applications and services, such as knowing where to park, access to tourist information and public services,” said Dave Hughes, Director, BT Wireless Broadband.

“Motorola is pioneering wireless broadband development and we are excited to join BT in its drive to wirelessly enable BT Wireless Cities with Mesh Wi-Fi networks. The Wireless City initiative will deliver what consumers, business and city authorities really want: a broadband service that’s consistent in the home, the office and now outside in open spaces around the city,” said Jose Figueroa, corporate vice president and general manager, Motorola Networks and Enterprise EMEA.